Leslie Milton has music in his bones.
Born in New Orleans, Milton has been drumming since he was in his crib and a touring musician since he was 15. He’s appeared at the Apollo Theatre in New York City, was a session drummer in the 1960s in Los Angeles after meeting producers Bumps Blackwell and Quincy Jones and has been playing gigs around the Puget Sound since 1977.
Milton, who has been named a Washington Blues Society Living Blues Legend, met Gael “Lady Keys” Kurath in the late 1990s and formed the band Star Drums and Lady Keys. The two first played together on Halloween 1998 at Everett’s Alligator Soul, and have been playing together ever since at local clubs like Prohibition Gastropub and Buck’s American Cafe.
Saturday, Star Drums and Lady Keys will celebrate Halloween by playing its 17th “Gig-Versary” at Buck’s, 2901 Hewitt Ave, Everett.
How did you get the nickname Star Drums?
When I moved to Seattle I needed a concept. “Star Wars” was big and my son-in-law came up with Star Drums. Bam. The whole family said, yes there it is. I started putting invisible paint and flourescent tape on my drum kit, and lights in the drums. I went berserk. I wanted to take the audience on an imaginary journey to space.
How did you get started playing the drums?
It was a gift, a God-given gift. I started at about 5 years old, playing little toy drums. It was a passion. I saw my uncle play drums and he took me under his wing. That was it, I was a drummer.
You were once a session musician, who was the most memorable to play with?
Over the years, it’s hard to say. Sonny and Cher, with rehearsals in Beverly Hills every week. And The Rivingtons, “Papa ooh mouw mouw!”
You’re quite the showman when you play live, have you always been that way?
All my life I’ve been a showman. I always wanted to take my drumming to another level, and entertain at the same time.
Biggest pet peeve?
When people try to judge music and musicians. I don’t like the title “Best of the Blues.” There is no best of the blues. It’s all individual thinking.
What makes Star Drums and Lady Keys such a fun musical act?
After 17 years of playing together, I’ve never had the pleasure of playing with anyone as much as I enjoy playing music with Lady Keys. There’s never any doubt or debate about the music, it’s always forward from here.
What’s your favorite Halloween outfit you’ve ever worn?
Loose garbage! Once I had a black plastic trash bag cut out and put on over my raggedy jeans. I stuck lettuce, tomato, and spaghetti on the outside of the bag, and had my face black with grease. Looked like I crawled out of the garbage can. “I could have said dumpster!”
You were born in New Orleans, what does the Crescent City mean to you?
Music. Music and entertainment. And the Carnival parades, Mardis Gras bands.
Your three favorite albums of all time?
“Private Jungle” by Slam Hound Hunters, “Papa Ooh Mouw Mouw” by The Rivingtons and Freddie James and the Rockin’ 88s.
Any advice to young drummers trying to make it big?
Listen, concentrate, and have fun!
— Aaron Swaney, Herald writer
Do you know someone we should get to know better? Send suggestions to abrown@heraldnet.com or call 425-339-3443.
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